Building Personal Resilience

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” -Friedrich Nietzsche


Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from challenges, setbacks, and adversity.  It’s a key characteristic that can help you succeed in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to career success. In fact, resilience and psychological flexibility are the characteristics most associated with happiness. The belief that you will be able to adapt to whatever situation arises, decreases anxiety about possible future events because you know you will be okay whatever the end result.  The following tips to growing resiliency are a great starting point to increasing self-confidence and decreasing anxiety.

  1. Develop a Growth Mindset:
    A growth mindset is the belief that you can learn, grow, and improve over time. This mindset is essential for building resilience because it helps you view challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than insurmountable obstacles. Avoid rigid or “black and white” thinking that can deter growth and increase anxiety and self-doubt. Instead, when you face adversity, try to approach it with a growth mindset by asking yourself, “What can I learn from this experience?” or “How can I use this challenge to become stronger?”

  2. Build Strong Relationships:
    Social support is essential for resilience. Strong relationships can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging that can help you cope with stress and adversity. Make an effort to build and maintain positive relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. Invest time and energy into these relationships and be there for others when they need you.

  3. Practice Self-Care:
    Self-care is critical for building resilience. Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. You can manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. To be successful with self-care, you need to make sure you make yourself one of your top priorities.

  4. Learn from Failure:


    Failure is a natural part of life, and it’s essential for building resilience. Instead of beating yourself up over mistakes or setbacks, try to learn from them. Reflect on what went wrong and how you can do better next time. Remember, failure is not a reflection of your worth or abilities. It’s an opportunity to grow and improve.

    “I never once failed at making a light bulb.  I just found 99 ways not to make one.” -Thomas Edison

  5. Practice Positive Thinking:
    Positive thinking can help you build resilience by shifting your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. When you face adversity, try to reframe your thoughts in a more positive light. For example, instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what you can do to make things better. Practice gratitude by focusing on the things you’re thankful for, and celebrate your successes, no matter how small.

  6. Build Resilience Through Action:
    One of the best ways to build resilience is by taking action. Break down your goals into manageable and tangible steps, and take action every day, so that you feel you are moving forward. When you take action, you build momentum and create a sense of accomplishment that can help you stay motivated and resilient.

In conclusion, building resilience takes time, effort, and practice, but it’s a skill that can stave off anxiety and increase self-confidence and mindfulness. By developing a growth mindset, building strong relationships, practicing self-care, learning from failure, practicing positive thinking, and taking action, you can build resilience and thrive in the face of adversity.

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Confucius

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